‘Craigslist Murders’ Deliberations Continue

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‘Craigslist Murders’ Deliberations Continue

AKRON, Ohio – Deliberations continue in the murder trial of Brogan Rafferty, 17, accused of being an accomplice in the murders of three men and the attempted murder of a fourth in what have become known as the ‘Craigslist murders.’

Rafferty faces multiple charges including aggravated murder, aggravated robbery and grand theft. The charges stem from the murders of David Pauley, Ralf Geiger and Tim Kern who are believed to have been shot and killed by co-defendant Richard Beasley while answering a Craigslist ad for employment as a farm hand on a rural property in Caldwell, Ohio.

A fourth man, Scott Davis, escaped. He testified during the trial about running through a wooded area after having been shot in the arm. Davis identified Rafferty as being one of the two men who he met about a farm job, describing how he was driven onto the farm property where the bodies of two of the other victims were found.

Rafferty himself testified that he helped Beasley by digging holes for the bodies, concealing the bodies, and driving the car to the crime scenes where he was aware of what Beasley was doing.

He testified that he cooperated because he believed his own life and the lives of his immediate family were also in danger.

Prosecutors are asking the jurors to determine that Rafferty was a willing accomplice who had opportunities to tell authorities about the crimes but chose not to do so.

Rafferty and Beasley are accused of dividing between them what little belongings the victims had with them.

Although a 16-year-old juvenile at the time, Rafferty is being tried as an adult.

The jury started deliberating late Thursday afternoon. Deliberations will have to continue on Monday.